Temba Bavuma fell to a Nathan Lyon beauty just before stumps, leaving South Africa 140 for 4 and clinging to a slim 40-run lead in the series decider.
Temba Bavuma was the rock of South Africa's resistance in Gqeberha, and his dismissal in the dying moments of day three in Cape Town could prove just as decisive for the Proteas. The captain was bowled by a classic Nathan Lyon delivery with only eight balls left, and that blow tilted a tight series decider towards Australia.
South Africa closed on 140 for 4, a lead of just 40 with six wickets in hand. Bavuma made 35 before Lyon got him, and Ackerman had earlier gone for 62. Having lost two key batters, the hosts now need someone to dig in on day four and push the advantage past a nervy total.
The damage was partly done in the morning. Australia resumed on 330 for 4, and Josh Inglis and Alex Carey picked up their partnership at 145. They added another 40 in calm, unhurried fashion, helped by a flat pitch, a sunny start and some sloppy South African fielding that handed out easy boundaries.
The Proteas also had to cope without their spearhead for a stretch. Kagiso Rabada was barred from bowling for seven overs because of time spent off the field, which gave the Australian pair extra freedom to build. Australia were eventually bowled out for 429, a first-innings lead of exactly 100.
Now the pressure sits squarely on South Africa's remaining batters. With the surface still friendly and the lead still thin, the first session on day four could decide who walks away with the series.
